As we age, the risk of developing dementia progressively increases. While we won’t all develop Alzheimer’s disease, maintaining good mental health is important for each and every one of us.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia; Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and someone in the U.S. develops the disease every 67 seconds. This is very serious.

We can fight dementia and its symptoms with a healthy lifestyle, and following some key exercises and tips to prevent dementia will help to significantly reduce the risk of developing this debilitating condition.

An organization known as Age UK has done research that found our lifestyle is responsible for 76% of the changes in the brain. Following some key rules for a healthier lifestyle can reduce dementia risks significantly. The most important ‘golden rules’ include: regular exercise, not smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation, consuming a healthy diet. Here are the top five exercises and tips to prevent dementia:

Exercise three to five times each week, for 30 minutes to an hour each time. Exercise for balance and coordination are also a good idea, since these help reduce the risk of a fall that could result in a head injury.

Eat a healthy diet with fresh vegetables, fruit, and seafood more than starchy, processed foods and red meat – the Mediterranean diet is really beneficial. Drink alcohol in moderation, and do not smoke.

Minimize stress with daily relaxation exercises, encourage your playful and fun side, and make sure to get enough sleep on a regular basis.

Participate in regular social activities to engage your mind. Play games and converse with others for social as well as mental stimulation and exercise.

Practice cognitive training and brain games to stay mentally active. Learn a new skill, enroll in more formal education, or sign up for free classes and activities at your local community center.

For more details and tips to prevent dementia and even Alzheimer’s, click here.

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